Newsletter

📓 A 96-hour strike notice for Pittsburgh Public Schools

Newsletter for Tuesday, Feb 27 2018

Wired and ready to go.

With contract talks set to resume between the union representing Pittsburgh Public Schools teachers and district officials this week, the teacher's union on Monday began by officially warning that teachers would strike on Friday if a deal isn't reached by then. It was a clear message that further delays in reaching a new contract deal for the district's roughly 2,400 faculty members will not be tolerated. If the strike commences on Friday, it would mark the first in Pittsburgh since 1975 and the culmination of months of inconclusive talks between the two sides. Meanwhile, community groups are rushing to set up emergency child care services in the city for the roughly 25,000 students that stand to be affected this time around. In addition, the city has partnered with the school district to open its recreation centers to provide breakfast and lunch to students in the event of a work stoppage.

With just over a week left before the special election for Pittsburgh's vacant District 8 City Council seat, Republican candidate Rennick Remley has released a campaign video spoofing one released by independent candidate Erika Strassburger more than a week ago. Strassburger's video shows her calmly jogging through the city while a voiceover touts her progressive bona fides and track record on environmental issues, anti-discrimination policies and transparency objectives in her work with city government. Remley's ad, meanwhile, shows him struggling to jog over broken sidewalks and encountering the victims of the city's current pothole epidemic. Remley's campaign says he wanted to have some fun with the ad while also making the point that he's focused on the basic functions of government — plowing and street maintenance — while his opponents are focused on "high ideals and grand plans." District 8 voters will decide whose message resonates most with them when they go to the polls on March 6.

Pittsburgh's newest police horse needs a name, and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership wants your help coming up with one. The horse is part of the city's re-established mounted unit. He is a 6-year-old Percheron/Tennessee Walking cross that recently arrived at the stables in South Park from Glenfield, N.Y. And yes, in case you were wondering, Horsey McHorseface has already been suggested. But you can submit others on the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's Instagram page with the hashtag #HorseWithNoNamePGH and at contest@downtownpittsburgh.com through Thursday. Multiple entries per person are allowed. Five names will be selected and you will be able to vote via Facebook and Twitter through March 7. The winning name will be announced at the partnership's annual meeting on March 14.

Featured Event

Images, videos, actors and a guitarist will guide this journey through crowd-sourced narratives revealing true stories behind secrets. The live version of the wildly popular PostSecret blog, it's described as a brave and honest show, one that reminds audiences "that secrets can be both walls and bridges."

The Incline Likes

And then there were eight. Voting starts today for the next round of the Ultimate Pittsburgh Fish Fry bracket. One contender advanced to the Elite Eight by a mere five votes, while another raked in 80 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, an entirely new slate of churches has emerged this year, knocking out 2017 bracket favorites. Find out who advanced, and make sure your favorites make it to the Final Four. Vote by 10 a.m. Monday, March 5.

Sharpen your pencils, brush up on your general knowledge and join us for a trivia party with Buzz Worthy Pub Trivia on Thursday. You can also bring your team of up to four for five rounds of trivia — including a music round. We have great prizes for the top three teams including: 4 tickets to tour the Wigle Whiskey distillery, 4 free tickets to use at one of our Who’s Next happy hours this year, and Incline swag. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Trivia at 6. More details here. Members play for free. Not a member? Join today!